Sweetwater picture anything but sweet

Picture a school bus going down a steep hill and dodging potholes left and right. That pretty much describes the Sweetwater Union High School District as revelations of questionable practices became public at a furious pace in May.

The state alleges the district violated rules on reduced-cost and free meals for years and overbilled for reimbursement. The state wants the money back, $350,000 for the past year alone.

It became known that a second public relations firm has been piling up expenses, since July 2009, without the knowledge of school trustees or the public. The hiring of San Diego-based Focuscom through the district’s law firm of Garcia, Calderon, Ruiz never was approved at a public board meeting. Focuscom principal Dan Hom declined to comment on his firm’s work.

Then there were developments involving the first PR firm, run by consultant Scott Alevy, also hired through the law practice. Alevy billed $250 an hour for discussions some parties deny ever happened. It is understood a district attorney’s investigator is looking into the matter.

Meantime, the school district hired its own investigator, former U.S. Attorney Greg Vega. The board rejected Superintendent Jesus Gandara’s bid to have the district’s legal counsel look into a dubious situation it created. But disclosures that Vega was recommended by the law firm and has done work for it are likely to cast a cloud as to how independent his investigation will be.

There were minor revelations in May. Three high schools were found to have illegally charged fees for extracurricular activities, an administrator due for demotion alleged her signature was forged on a letter to 1,400 parents, and the district had an audience sign-in sheet at a board meeting, a violation of public meeting law.

Take the questionable practices in sum and add in lack of knowledge by board members or public and the question arises: Just who has a handle on what’s going on in Sweetwater Union?

Not the state, if alleged violation of lunch rules for years are an indication.

Not the board, if legal counsel can hire PR firms without trustees’ knowledge or approval.

Not the public, completely in the dark about $250-an-hour billings.

The district’s Los Angeles-based law firm, on retainer for $83,000 a month, seems to have an uncommon amount of influence. Still, there are limits. Five years ago the firm was present for some interviews when Gandara was hired. This January, the firm unexpectedly ended its nearly 10-year relationship with neighboring Otay Water District as friction developed between the respective boards. As Otay board President Jaime Bonilla understands it, the firm was given an ultimatum: Represent Sweetwater or Otay, but not both.

Such is one month of affairs and the cult of personality in a 42,000-student district run by Jesus Gandara.